As any REALTOR®
will tell you, regular preventative maintenance is vital to
maintaining your property value. By spending a few hours every
spring conducting a careful home inspection you'll save
money in the long run, because you can address minor problems
before they turn into major repairs. A spring maintenance check-up
is especially important this spring given the wear our homes
received during a winter of record-setting rainfall and severe
windstorms.

Grab
a clipboard or notebook and take a walk around your house with
the checklist below. Make notes on any problem areas, and then
call the appropriate service professionals for advice.

Roof:
Look for missing, slipped, sagging or cracked tiles or shingles.
Replace or repair as necessary. Clear the roof of all debris.
If you notice "streams" - signs of irregular
water drainage - consult a professional roofer.

Chimney:
Chimney flues should be inspected yearly and swept as necessary.

Gutters
and downspouts: Look for signs of damage. Drains and gutters
should be cleared of debris. You can test them by pouring a
bucket of water down each downspout to ensure free flow.

Foundation:
Houses settle year by year and can develop stress cracks; these
can cause leaks into your basement. Have any noticeable foundation
cracks repaired immediately.

Exterior
siding. Inspect siding for sagging or damaged panels that
may need replacing. Inspect wood soffits and fascia for signs
of rot or pest infestation. If you have a brick exterior, check
for loose or missing bricks and cracks in mortar.

Paint:
The average exterior paint job lasts five to eight years but
can be prolonged with annual touch-ups. Scrape, sand and repaint
any patches that are peeling before the wood deteriorates. Trim
shrubs and plants back at least 18 inches from the house, as
they can cause moisture damage.

Flashings:
Look for cracks and leaks in flashings; repair or replace as
necessary.

Doors
and windows: Inspect caulking and trim. Check doors and
windows for smooth movement, and lubricate with silicone spray.
Wash window screens and check for tears.

Water
line: Check for loose joints in the water line to outside
faucets

Furnace
and boiler. Clean or replace furnace filter. Replacing it
with an electrostatically charged filter is a good way to improve
indoor air quality. Vacuum exterior of furnace and boiler.

Pipes:
Check exposed pipes (indoors and out) for signs of leaks or
corrosion.

Interior
walls: Check walls for bulges, damp patches or peeling paint;
these may indicate moisture trapped in the walls.

Basement:
Inspect floors and walls for dampness, leaks and cracks.

Ventilator
fans and stove exhaust fan: These should be cleaned and
lubricated.

The
key to effective maintenance is tracing problems right to the
source, rather than just making cosmetic repairs. Be sure to
seek professional advice if you suspect an underlying problem.
Get into the habit of regular spring maintenance check-ups,
and you'll see the pay off when it comes time to sell your
home.

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